Casinos in the Netherlands are set to reopen on 1 July, two months ahead of schedule, according to an announcement from Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge.
All casinos in the country closed in mid-March in order to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and had previously not been scheduled to reopen until 1 September.
However, this drew criticism from state-owned land-based operator Holland Casino and national gambling industry trade association VAN Kansspelen, who described the decision as “irresponsible”.
Representatives from both organisations met with representatives from the country’s government earlier this month to outline their concerns over the reopening date.
Huffnagel said capacity for casinos will be reduced after reopening in order to prevent transmission of the virus.
VAN Kansospel has set up a Covid-19 protocol for its members to follow in order to help with the safe reopening of casinos.
